Flu prevention is not difficult, remember these two

With the arrival of autumn and winter, influenza viruses become more active, and influenza outbreaks are more likely to occur in crowded places such as schools and childcare institutions. Although the word "influenza" contains the word "cold", it may not seem to be a serious disease at first glance, but some people may develop serious complications after infection, and even be life-threatening. In order to avoid this, we must do a good job of preventing influenza.

The methods of preventing influenza are actually very simple. One is to get vaccinated in time, and the other is to develop good hygiene habits. Let's talk about them in detail.

Early flu vaccination

Flu vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of getting the flu and developing serious complications. They have the following benefits:

1) Wide range of protection: Vaccine components are updated annually to cover the influenza virus strains prevalent in that year.

2) High safety: Influenza vaccines have undergone strict approval, and the safety of vaccination is guaranteed.

3) Save money: For patients, getting a flu shot can effectively reduce the possibility of severe hospitalization, thereby reducing potential treatment costs.

Flu vaccination will produce antibodies in 2-4 weeks. Generally speaking, it is best to get vaccinated one month before the peak flu season (autumn and winter). If you do not complete the vaccination before the flu season, you can get vaccinated throughout the season.

The general population is susceptible to influenza viruses, and most cases are self-limiting. Some people are at higher risk of developing serious complications after infection, including people aged 60 and above, children under 5 years old, and patients with underlying diseases.

The immunity from vaccination will gradually weaken over time, and regular influenza vaccination is necessary, especially for key groups.

Getting the flu vaccine can effectively reduce the risk of influenza virus infection among teachers and students on campus.

Hygiene habits should be developed

Building a strong first line of defense for the body mainly involves personal hygiene habits, a healthy lifestyle, and necessary protective measures. Here are some specific suggestions:

1) Wash your hands frequently and maintain good respiratory hygiene habits: Use soap or hand sanitizer and wash your hands with running water. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or towel when coughing or sneezing, then wash your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands.

2) Enhance physical fitness and immunity, and keep the environment clean and ventilated: Eat a balanced diet, exercise moderately, have a regular work and rest schedule, and avoid excessive fatigue. Open windows for ventilation at least 3 times a day, each time for 20 to 30 minutes.

3) Minimize activities in crowded places and pay attention to symptoms: Avoid contact with patients with respiratory infections. If you have symptoms such as cough, runny nose, fever, etc., you should isolate yourself at home and rest. If the fever persists or the symptoms worsen, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

4) To wash hands correctly, you need to master the six-step hand washing method: including rubbing the palms of your hands, rubbing the gaps between your fingers, rubbing the gaps between your fingers with your palms against your palms, rubbing the palms with your fingertips, holding the thumb of one hand with the other hand and rubbing, and bending the fingers so that the joints rotate and rub in the palm of the other hand.

5) Use masks correctly: During the peak influenza season, when in crowded places or on public transportation, consider choosing disposable medical masks or N95 medical protective masks, and replace them after wearing them for 4 hours continuously, and replace them immediately after they become contaminated or wet. Wear the mask correctly, making sure the top of the mask fits snugly against the bridge of the nose, covering the nose and mouth.

6) Maintain good physical condition: A reasonable diet, proper exercise, a good attitude and adequate sleep are effective ways to improve immunity.

7) Monitor your own and your family’s health: If you have fever, runny nose, or other symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

Through the above measures, we can effectively build the "first line of defense" for personal health, reduce the risk of influenza transmission, and protect the health of ourselves and others.

In short, I would like to remind everyone again, especially the elderly and children, that if you meet the conditions for influenza vaccination, it is best to get the flu vaccine early to give yourself an extra layer of protection and reduce risks.

Author: Li Nannan, member of the China Science Writers Association, expert on popular science in China

Reviewer: Zhang Yu, researcher/PhD, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, national health science expert